On Being Resourceful: Lessons from a Cracked Screen 💻

Assalamu'alaikum,

I opened my laptop and noticed a big crack on the screen 😱

My immediate reaction was to go and buy a new one.

I tried to justify that my laptop is a few years old (even though it works perfectly fine), and the cracked screen is another reason to upgrade to the latest version.

Days later, something prompted me to take my laptop and get the screen fixed instead of buying a new one. 

The screen repair was expensive (half of what I'd pay for a new laptop), and I was still tempted to buy a new one…(More on this later.)

We often complain that our money lacks Barakah. We blame inflation, the cost of living, and economic recessions. Yet, we rarely scrutinize our spending decisions and lifestyle choices, leading to dwindling resources.

From an early age, we're bombarded with messages from corporations and society urging us to constantly acquire the latest products, upgrade our tech, and never be content with what we have. The concepts of repairing, fixing, reusing, or recycling have become almost foreign to many.

In a recent podcast, I was asked how people facing rising inflation and increased living costs can experience Barakah. I believe this question can be addressed from two perspectives:

1. Macroeconomic/Societal Level:

When we align our economic policies with the principles outlined in Islamic teachings, we can witness widespread prosperity and Barakah. This isn't mere theory – it was demonstrated during the reign of Umar bin Abdul-Aziz (often referred to as the fifth rightly guided caliph), where prosperity was so abundant that they struggled to find recipients for Zakat. Allah SWT reminds us in the Quran: "And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them barakat (blessings) from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning." (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:96)

2. Family/Individual Level:

Sometimes, we cannot control the macroeconomic factors repelling Barakah from our lives. That doesn't mean we should give up.

Instead, we must consciously reflect on our actions and ask what may attract or repel Barakah. 

Some practices that can attract Barakah include:

• Giving regular charity as a family

• Maintaining strong ties with relatives (an often overlooked source of Barakah)

• Honoring the Quran by dedicating quality time to reciting, learning, and memorizing it, thereby inviting its Barakah into our homes

Conversely, some actions that may repel Barakah include:

• Engaging in riba (usury/interest)

• Earning from non-halal income sources

• Committing sins individually or as a family (e.g., being wasteful)

Returning to my laptop story – Alhamdulillah, Allah guided me to repair my device, saving me hundreds of dollars. I'm using that laptop now to write this message to you.

But the story doesn't end there. A few weeks later, I received a call about a charitable opportunity. The amount needed was equivalent to what I would have spent on a new laptop. I realized that had I invested in a new device, I might not have had the resources to contribute to this charity project.

This experience reminded me that being resourceful and economic is not about being miserly or depriving yourself. Instead, it's about making choices in your worldly affairs so that you can invest generously in your Akhirah (hereafter).

In our fast-paced, consumerist world, pausing and reflecting on our financial choices is crucial if we want Barakah in our wealth. 

Are we making decisions based on genuine need or succumbing to societal pressure and fleeting desires? 

By cultivating mindfulness in our spending and lifestyle choices, we can invite more Barakah into our wealth and lives insha'Allah.

Have you noticed the Barakah of being resourceful? Let me know - would love to hear from your experiences!

Sincerely,